Apple Cider Scones

Ya'll know I love my basic scone recipe. I am excited to try some new varities for fall. My dad's birthday is tomorrow, so I whipped up a batch of apple cider scones for him to bake up fresh for breakfast in the morning. Here is the recipe:

Scones:

• 4 cups flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Zest of one orange
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/4 quarter tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup room temperature butter, cubed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup of apple cider
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla
• 1 cup Granny Smith apples (chopped)

Icing:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, spices and orange zest. Cube the butter and mix in to the mixture until the butter is pea sized. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, apple cider, milk and vanilla together. Stir into the flour mixture until the dough is moist, do not over mix. Knead in the apples. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a couple of times. Divide dough into two equal balls. Pat each ball into an 8 inch circle. (Be careful to make sure it is not too thick in the center.) Place each ball onto a parchment paper lined or greased cookie sheet. Score each circle with a knife into 6 wedges. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes, or until done and lightly golden. Allow the scones to cool. Meanwhile, stir powdered sugar, apple cider and cinnamon together. Drizzle over cooled scones.

See also Country Store Fried Apples.